Troubles Along the Trial

The Payne family was share croppers in Kentucky, and just couldn't get ahead. They decided to pack up their meager belongings, move to Texas, and build themselves a ranch.

As they expected, travel was hard. A few days into their journey, thugs attempted to rob them and run off with the women.   Father and son killed the outlaws in a gunfight, and the family's possessions increased when they inherited the dead men's clothes, weapons, horses, saddles and tack .

Along the trail they found a dead man and woman and their wounded eight-year-old daughter, Dawn.  They nursed Dawn back to health. Their huge black dog became her constant companion and protector. She named the dog Big.

     Near Fort Smith, Arkansas, they befriended Muskogee Creek Indians and even attended their Powwow. Then they showed their compassion by  hiring two disabled ex-soldiers , whom they assisted in overcoming their disabilities. The untamed west continued to be a challenge, just handling the troubles and joys it brought.

Read on, and share their travels as they find a suitable location for their dream-ranch in south Texas.